LPBOA to file legal action over trishaws and motorbikes using bus lane

The Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) will file legal action against the decision by police to direct three-wheelers and motorbikes to use the left lane dedicated to buses. 

LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne told Times Online that a dedicated lane for buses had been gazetted as far back as 1940. He said the decision to insist that three-wheelers and motorbikes use the same lane too would defeat the entire purpose of the plan. 

"We don't object to dedicated transport services such as school and office buses and vans also using the lane. But having three-wheelers and motorbikes on the same lane will not work," he stressed. 

Mr Wijeratne claimed three-wheelers and motorbike users were undisciplined and reckless when using roads. He also said it was difficult sometimes for bus drivers to see when motorbikes and three-wheelers are immediately in front of them. "Three-wheelers also stop for hires in the middle of the road. Imagine how slow the going will be when bus drivers have to wait for all the three-wheelers to stop and pick up or drop off passengers," he queried.